Contending for Truth without Contention

Music Monday: Poverty Nor Riches (Ghost Ship)

We have introduced a Ghost Ship song before. But this particular song has recently been on repeat for me.

I love the song’s allusions to Proverbs 30:7-9. Which is one of the only prayers in the entire book:

“Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: 8 Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, 9 That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God. “

The focus of the song really is around the sufficiency of God and His ability to satisfy our every need. Sometimes we’re found wanting when we shouldn’t be. We live as if we’re lacking, when we have everything. I get quite convicted by the bridge as it goes through the different extremes of life and still shows God as our ultimate fulfillment and pleasure. Please take special note of that as you listen.

Lyrics:

Give me neither poverty nor riches
Give me just the sustenance I need
Lest I become rich, I would forget you
Lest I become poor, then I would steal

Give me just your sovereign hand to guide me
Give me strength to walk where you will lead
Let me rest beneath your strong protection
You are my provision and my shield

This world has nothing for me
This world has nothing for me
This world has nothing for me
You are all I need

You have turned my poverty to riches
Found me as an orphan, took me in
Brought me as a beggar to your table
Offered me the cup that covers sin

You have given me this rich abundance
More than I could ask for in this life
Those I dearly love, they still surround me
And my God is ever by my side

In plenty, in hunger, you are all I need
In sorrow, in laughter, you are all I need
In triumph, in failure, you are all I need
In this life and after, you are all I need